What happened
A flight departing from Hadibu Airport in Socotra was en route to Aden when the crew received instructions from air traffic control to perform a go-around. Due to a sandstorm and deteriorating weather conditions, Aden-Khormaksar Airport was closed to all incoming traffic, forcing the aircraft into a holding pattern. Following this, the captain received clearance to divert to Sanaa Airport, situated approximately 300 km to the north.
While attempting to land at the diversionary airfield, the four-engine aircraft impacted the ground in a desert area located roughly 10 km before reaching the runway. The accident resulted in 58 fatalities, with no survivors reported among the 52 passengers and six crew members. The flight had been transporting a mix of 36 civilians and 16 military personnel at the time of the impact.
Findings
The investigation into the crash is ongoing, as the specific circumstances surrounding the impact remain unknown. However, the flight was operating under severe weather conditions involving a sandstorm prior to the diversion and subsequent approach.